Two newcomers join Selma council

By David DeKunder, Staff Writer :
May 14, 2013

Kevin Hadas and Jose Silva will be the newest members of the council after winning their seats by more than 2-to-1 margins over their opponents.

Hadas, 35, took the Place 4 seat with 266 votes, beating Randy Galindo, who garnered 95 votes, and incumbent William Weeper, who received 59 votes. Hadas won 63 percent of the 420 ballots cast; Galindo drew 23 percent, and Weeper, 14.

In Place 6, Silva, 51, won 63 percent of the 426 votes cast in beating incumbent Melba Gregory, 267-159. Silva said listening to the concerns of the voters is what helped him in his second try for the council, following an unsuccessful bid in 2011.

“I think it's an exciting time to live in the city of Selma,” Hadas said. “Enthusiasm is high and I think the overall number of votes and margin of victory (in the election) shows that. The margin of victory is a testament to relentless door knocking and meeting with citizens one-on-one.”

“They believe the city can head in a different direction,” Silva said. “We need more support for the residents themselves.”

Both Hadas and Silva say infrastructure improvements are needed in the city, especially along Lookout Road.

“It's going to take hard work from the city and the council to petition the state for funds for infrastructure improvements along Lookout Road,” Hadas said. “Once we have those funds, then we can proceed with economic development along Lookout Road.”

Hadas said Selma residents want the city to continue to grow while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the area.

Silva said he wants to help to improve communication between the council and its residents. “We have to listen to them to see if we are going in the right or wrong direction,” he said.

Gregory, whose 12 years on the council will end once Silva is sworn in, said she intends to stay involved in the city. “I love the city,” Gregory said. “There is no place like Selma, and I will continue to serve Selma in any capacity I can.”